Hemet's New City Manager Starts Nov. 2: Ernie Reyna at $330,000 a Year Under Contract Through 2031
Ernest N. "Ernie" Reyna started work as the new city manager of Hemet in Riverside County, California, on November 2, according to City of Hemet press release 2026-021. The City Council unanimously approved his employment agreement on September 29: a base salary of $330,000 a year under a contract running through December 31, 2031. Reyna leads a workforce of about 380 full-time employees.
Reyna brings more than 25 years of experience in municipal management and finance. He came from the City of Perris, where he served as finance director and treasurer from 2019 before rising to deputy and then assistant city manager, leading Perris's Measure B sales tax effort. He previously served as finance director and treasurer for the City of Eastvale and as chief financial officer of the Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG) for more than seven years; WRCOG serves 17 cities plus Riverside County, special districts and tribes, with an operating budget above $65 million and an investment portfolio above $80 million.
Reyna began his career with the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, where he spent 13 years. He holds a Master of Public Administration from California Baptist University and a bachelor's degree from UC Riverside, is a Certified Public Accountant, and served as the 2024 president of the California Society of Municipal Finance Officers.
"Ernie stood out for his depth in municipal finance, his record of results, and his commitment to the communities he has served," said Mayor Linda Krupa. "I am honored by the City Council's confidence and excited to join the Hemet team," Reyna said.
Former city manager Mark Prestwich retired in May 2026, Noah Rau served as interim city manager, and the national search was conducted by Ralph Andersen & Associates.
(Source: City of Hemet)
Source: City of Hemet
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Photo: 赫米特市政厅外景。 Hemet City Hall. CC BY-SA 3.0，摄影：Jstroudr。图片来源 Source image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hemet_City_Hall.jpg
